Sumba Weaving Introduced at Indonesia-Singapore Orchid Extravaganza

PT Astra International Tbk is bringing Indonesia’s local potential to the international stage through the Indonesia-Singapore Orchid Extravaganza at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, running from 4 July to 10 August 2026. The company is presenting its community empowerment programme, Desa Sejahtera Astra Sumba Timur, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Sumba Timur.

Chief of Corporate Affairs Astra, Boy Kelana Soebroto, stated that the presence of Desa Sejahtera Astra Sumba Timur in Singapore extends the company’s efforts to introduce Indonesian creativity and potential globally. “This event is a continuation of our collaborative efforts to introduce Indonesian creativity to the international community. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, Astra hopes that stories of community empowerment and local potential can become more widely known while opening more opportunities for the community to grow,” he said.

The programme features an installation of a traditional Sumba house that tells the inspiring story of local weavers. It highlights the distinctive Sumba Ikat weaving, with each motif representing cultural identity, local wisdom, and the community’s close relationship with nature and ancestral traditions. The empowerment ecosystem currently supports around 250 artisans, 97 per cent of whom are women, fostering cultural preservation and creating sustainable income sources.

Astra also supported the presence of a Rafflesia arnoldii masterpiece, a collaboration between Mortier and Jerhemy Owen. The installation was created using 29,100 recycled plastic bottle caps, presenting an artwork that combines creativity, innovation, and environmental awareness. Through this piece, visitors are invited to appreciate art while understanding the message of sustainability and the importance of plastic waste management into value-added products.